[Efficacy and safety of IdegLira for the intensification of type 2 diabetes treatment]. / Eficacia y seguridad de IdegLira para la intensificación del tratamiento en la diabetes tipo 2.

Diabetes mellitus is a true pandemic; type 2 diabetes in particular, with its progressive nature, constitutes a serious health problem. Despite advances and innovations in treatment, it continues to generate high morbidity and mortality. Many patients do not achieve their metabolic control objectives, due to clinical inertia, fear of hypoglycaemia, weight gain, the complexity of the treatment and the lack of adherence to it. Recently, the clinical results of the combined use of basal insulin and agonist receptor of the glucagon-like peptide type 1 (AR-GLP1) have been successfully evaluated. Therefore, the combined use of a basal insulin (insulin degludec) with an AR-GLP1 (liraglutide), in a single device (IdegLira), is proposed as an effective and safe therapeutic alternative for the treatment intensification in people with type 2 diabetes. IdegLira has shown greater reductions in HbA1c compared to its individual components, with a low risk of hypoglycaemia and weight loss, both in insulin naïve patients and in those previously insulinized. In this review we describe the pharmacology, the rational of the combination and the most relevant clinical evidence on IdegLira safety and efficacy.

Eficacia y seguridad de IdegLira para la intensificación del tratamiento en la diabetes tipo 2 / Efficacy and safety of IdegLira for the intensification of type 2 diabetes treatment

La diabetes mellitus es una verdadera pandemia; la diabetes tipo 2 en particular, con su carácter progresivo, constituye un grave problema de salud. A pesar de los avances e innovaciones en el tratamiento, continúa generando una alta morbimortalidad, debido a que muchos pacientes no logran los objetivos de control metabólicos, entre otras causas por la inercia clínica, el temor a la hipoglucemia, el aumento de peso, la complejidad del tratamiento y la falta de adherencia al mismo. En el último tiempo, se ha evaluado con éxito los resultados clínicos del uso combinado de insulina basal y agonistas del receptor del péptido similar al glucagón tipo 1 (AR-GLP1). Se propone, por lo tanto, el uso combinado de una insulina basal (insulina degludec) con un AR-GLP1 (liraglutida), en un único dispositivo (IdegLira), como una alternativa terapéutica eficaz y segura para la intensificación del tratamiento de las personas con diabetes tipo 2. IdegLira ha demostrado mayores reducciones de HbA1c comparado con sus componentes individuales, con un bajo riesgo de hipoglucemia y pérdida de peso, tanto en pacientes naive de insulina como en aquellos previamente insulinizados. En esta revisión se describe la farmacología, el racional de la combinación y la evidencia clínica relevante de la seguridad y eficacia de IdegLira.

Diabetes mellitus is a true pandemic; type 2 diabetes in particular, with its progressive nature, constitutes a serious health problem. Despite advances and innovations in treatment, it continues to generate high morbidity and mortality.Many patients do not achieve their metabolic control objectives, due to clinical inertia, fear of hypoglycaemia, weight gain, the complexity of the treatment and the lack of adherence to it. Recently, the clinical results of the combined use of basal insulin and agonist receptor of the glucagon-like peptide type 1 (AR-GLP1) have been successfully evaluated. Therefore, the combined use of a basal insulin (insulin degludec) with an AR-GLP1 (liraglutide), in a single device (IdegLira), is proposed as an effective and safe therapeutic alternative for the treatment intensification in people with type 2 diabetes. IdegLira has shown greater reductions in HbA1c compared to its individual components, with a low risk of hypoglycaemia and weight loss, both in insulin naïve patients and in those previously insulinized. In this review we describe the pharmacology, the rational of the combination and the most relevant clinical evidence on IdegLira safety and efficacy.

Experiencia con insulina degludec en pacientes diabéticos Tipo 1 del Hospital San Juan de Dios Santiago / Experience with degludec insulin in Type 1 diabetic patients at the San Juan de Dios Hospital

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and safety of degludec insulin in Type 1 diabetic patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: In a prospective study, 230 type 1 diabetics patients, average aged 34 years age and 14 years of diagnosis of diabetes and treated with two doses of insulin glargine U-100, were changed to degludec. Patients had glycosylated hemoglobins (HbA1c) greater than 10 percent. Results were recorded at 3 and 6 months with parameters clinical, biochemical, insulin requirements per kilogram of weight (U/kg/wt) and hypoglycemia. Capillary glycemia was evaluated three times a day and the dose of insulin degludec every two weeks. The statistical analysis used was average and rank, standard deviation, normal Swilk test, categorical Chi2 and continuous ANOVA or Kwallis, and p < 0.05. A psychological survey was conducted to evaluate satisfaction with the new treatment. RESULTS: Fasting blood glucose decreased from 253 (range 243-270) at 180 mg/dl (172-240) at 3 months and at 156 (137-180) at 6 months after the change insulin (p < 0.05). HbA1c, initially 10.6 percent (10.4-12.2) decreased to 8.7 percent (9.3-10.1) and 8.3 percent (8.7-9.7) at 3 and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.05). There was a decrease in basal insulin requirements from 0.7 to 0.4 U/kg/60 percent reduction in hypoglycaemia; both mild and moderate and severe. Isolated nocturnal hypoglycaemias were recorded in only 4 patients in this group. CONCLUSION: Six months of treatment with degludec insulin reduces fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and hypoglycemia, both mild and moderate severe and nocturnal, which makes this new ultra-long acting basal insulin a safe and effective tool for the management of type 1 diabetics patients

[Therapeutic compliance and flexibility in the use of basal insulins]. / Adherencia terapéutica y flexibilidad en el uso de insulinas basales.

Since 1921, the benefits achieved by insulin therapy research have been constant. However, the fear of a hypoglycemia incidence and rigid time schedules of insulin therapy still interfere with treatment adherence, which is essential to achieve optimal glycemic control and minimize complications in diabetic patients. The possibility of using an ultra long- acting insulin analogue (degludec), which has an extensive and predictable pharmacokinetic profile over 24 hours, is analyzed in this context. Clinical trials have shown that this ultra long-acting insulin analogue administered in a flexible dosage treatment, reached a good glycaemic control with no increase on hypoglycemia risk. Although to follow a predefined plan in clinical practice is recommended, the possibility of flexibility in day to day dosage timing of this specific insulin analogue on requirement, could improve adherence in patients with a non-predictable and active social life and workday.

Adherencia terapéutica y flexibilidad en el uso de las insulinas basales

Desde 1921, los beneficios alcanzados por las investigaciones sobre insulinoterapia han sido constantes. Sin embargo, el temor a las hipoglucemias y la rigidez horaria para administrar la insulina aún interfieren sobre la adherencia al tratamiento, que es esencial para lograr un buen control de la glucemia y minimizar las complicaciones en los pacientes con diabetes. En este contexto, se analiza la posibilidad de utilizar un análogo de insulina ultra-lento (degludec) que posee un perfil farmacocinético prolongado y predecible por más de 24 horas. En ensayos clínicos demostró que, al administrarlo en un esquema de dosis flexible mantiene un buen control de la glucemia, sin que aumente el riesgo de hipoglucemias. Si bien en la práctica clínica es aconsejable seguir un plan establecido, la posibilidad de flexibilizar el horario en la aplicación diaria del análogo ultra-lento en caso de ser necesario, podría mejorar la adherencia en pacientes con una vida social y laboral activa y poco previsible.

Since 1921, the benefits achieved by insulin therapy research have been constant. However, the fear of a hypoglycemia incidence and rigid time schedules of insulin therapy still interfere with treatment adherence, which is essential to achieve optimal glycemic control and minimize complications in diabetic patients. The possibility of using an ultra long-acting insulin analogue (degludec), which has an extensive and predictable pharmacokinetic profile over 24 hours, is analyzed in this context. Clinical trials have shown that this ultra long-acting insulin analogue administered in a flexible dosage treatment, reached a good glycaemic control with no increase on hypoglycemia risk. Although to follow a predefined plan in clinical practice is recommended, the possibility of flexibility in day to day dosage timing of this specific insulin analogue on requirement, could improve adherence in patients with a non-predictable and active social life and workday.

Safety and effectiveness of biphasic insulin aspart 30 in people with type 2 diabetes switching from basal-bolus insulin regimens in the A1chieve study.

AIMS: Biphasic insulin aspart 30 allows fewer daily injections versus basal-bolus insulin regimens, which may improve adherence and treatment outcome. This sub-analysis of the observational A1chieve study assessed clinical safety and effectiveness of biphasic insulin aspart 30 in people with type 2 diabetes previously receiving basal-bolus insulin regimens. METHODS: A1chieve was an international, open-label, 24-week study in people with type 2 diabetes starting/switching to biphasic insulin aspart 30, insulin detemir or insulin aspart. This sub-analysis assessed patients switching from insulin glargine- or neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin-based basal-bolus insulin regimens to biphasic insulin aspart 30. RESULTS: 1024 patients were included. At 24 weeks, glycated haemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose were significantly reduced from baseline in both cohorts (all p<0.001). The proportion reporting any hypoglycaemia, major hypoglycaemia or nocturnal hypoglycaemia was significantly reduced after 24 weeks (all p<0.05). No serious adverse drug reactions were reported. Both cohorts had significantly improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 24 weeks after switching from basal-bolus insulin regimens to biphasic insulin aspart 30, glycaemic control and HRQoL were significantly improved, and hypoglycaemia was significantly reduced. This suggests that people with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on basal-bolus insulin regimens can consider biphasic insulin aspart 30.

Once-daily initiation of basal insulin as add-on to metformin: a 26-week, randomized, treat-to-target trial comparing insulin detemir with insulin glargine in patients with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of once-daily insulin initiation using insulin detemir (detemir) or insulin glargine (glargine) added to existing metformin in type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: This 26-week, multinational, randomized, treat-to-target trial involved 457 insulin-naïve adults with T2D (HbA1c 7-9%). Detemir or glargine was added to current metformin therapy [any second oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) discontinued] and titrated to a target fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≤90 mg/dl (≤5.0 mmol/l). Primary efficacy endpoint was change in HbA1c. RESULTS: Mean (s.d.) HbA1c decreased with detemir and glargine by 0.48 and 0.74%-points, respectively, to 7.48% (0.91%) and 7.13% (0.72%) [estimated between-treatment difference, 0.30 (95% CI: 0.14-0.46)]. Non-inferiority for detemir at the a priori level of 0.4%-points was not established. The proportions of patients reaching HbA1c ≤ 7% at 26 weeks were 38% and 53% (p = 0.026) with detemir and glargine, respectively. FPG decreased ∼43.2 mg/dl (∼2.4 mmol/l) in both groups [non-significant (NS)]. Treatment satisfaction was good for both insulins. Hypoglycaemia, which occurred infrequently, was observed less with detemir than glargine [rate ratio 0.73 (95% CI 0.54-0.98)]. The proportions of patients reaching HbA1c ≤ 7% without hypoglycaemia in the detemir and glargine groups were 32% and 38% (NS), respectively. Weight decreased with detemir [-0.49 (3.3) kg] and increased with glargine [+1.0 (3.1) kg] (95% CI for difference: -2.17 to -0.89 kg). CONCLUSION: While both detemir and glargine, when added to metformin therapy, improved glycaemic control, glargine resulted in greater reductions in HbA1c, while detemir demonstrated less weight gain and hypoglycaemia.

[Starting an insulin regimen with insulin lispro mix 25 versus glargine insulin for type 2 diabetes]. / Régimen con insulina lispro mix 25 versus insulina glargina para la diabetes tipo 2.

Information on starting insulin regimens in specific populations with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is limited. This analysis compared efficacy and safety of two starter insulin regimens: insulin lispro mix 25 (LM25) and basal insulin glargine (GL) in patients from Argentina. This post-hoc analysis evaluated 193 insulin-naïve patients who participated in the DURABLE trial 24-week initiation phase. Patients 30-79 years with T2D inadequately controlled (HbA1c > 7.0%) with = 2 oral antihyperglycemic medications (OAMs), were randomized to add LM25 (25% insulin lispro, 75% insulin lispro protamine suspension) twice daily or GL (basal insulin glargine) once daily to pre-study OAMs. Primary efficacy was measured by HbA1c at 24-week endpoint. Secondary measures included: proportion of patients achieving HbA1c = 6.5% and = 7.0%, body weight change, self-monitored blood glucose (BG) values, and hypoglycemia rates. LM25 demonstrated greater HbA1c reduction (- 2.4% ± 0.16 vs. -2.0% ± 0.16, P = 0.002), a higher proportion of patients achieving HbA1c = 7.0% (P = 0.012), and lower BG levels after the morning (P = 0.028) and evening (P = 0.011) meals, and at 3:00AM (P = 0.005) compared with GL. Fasting BG and proportion of patients achieving HbA1c = 6.5% were similar between groups. Both groups increased body weight, although the gain was higher at endpoint with LM25 (6.35 kg vs. 4.23 kg, P < 0.001). No differences in hypoglycemia rates were observed between groups, and no serious adverse events were reported for either group. In this subgroup from Argentina, LM25 demonstrated greater improvement in glucose control with similar risk of hypoglycemia and more weight gain than GL.

Régimen con insulina lispro mix 25 versus insulina glargina para la diabetes tipo 2 / Starting an insulin regimen with insulin lispro mix 25 versus glargine insulin for type 2 diabetes

La información sobre el inicio de regímenes de insulina en poblaciones específicas con diabetes tipo 2 (DT2) es limitada. Se comparó eficacia y seguridad de dos regímenes de inicio: insulina lispro mix 25 (LM25) e insulina glargina basal (GL). Se evaluaron 193 pacientes no tratados previamente con insulina, en la fase de iniciación de 24 semanas del ensayo DURABLE; edades: 30-79 años, DT2 controlada inadecuadamente (HbA1c > 7.0%) con = 2 medicaciones orales antidiabéticas (MOAs), aleatorizados para LM25 (25% de insulina lispro, 75% de insulina lispro protamina en suspensión) dos veces/día, o GL (insulina glargina basal) una vez/ día, a las MOAs previas. La eficacia primaria se midió por HbA1c a las 24 semanas. Se midió eficacia secundaria por: proporción de pacientes que alcanzaron HbA1c= 6.5% y= 7.0%, cambio en peso corporal, valores de automonitoreo glucémico e índices de hipoglucemia. LM25 demostró mayor reducción de la HbA1c (- 2.4% ± 0.16 vs. -2.0% ± 0.16, P = 0.002), mayor proporción de pacientes alcanzaron HbA1c= 7.0% (P = 0.012) y niveles de glucemia menores después del desayuno (P = 0.028) y de la cena (P = 0.011), y a las 3 a.m. (P = 0.005) comparada con GL. La glucemia en ayunas (GA) y la proporción de pacientes que alcanzaron una HbA1c= 6.5% fueron similares. En ambos grupos hubo aumento del peso corporal, mayor en la valoración final con LM25 (6.35 kg vs. 4.23 kg, P < 0.001). No hubieron diferencias en índices de hipoglucemia entre grupos, ni eventos adversos serios en ninguno. Con LM25 fue mejor el control de glucosa, riesgo de hipoglucemia similar y mayor aumento de peso que GL.

Information on starting insulin regimens in specific populations with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is limited. This analysis compared efficacy and safety of two starter insulin regimens: insulin lispro mix 25 (LM25) and basal insulin glargine (GL) in patients from Argentina. This post-hoc analysis evaluated 193 insulin-naïve patients who participated in the DURABLE trial 24-week initiation phase. Patients 30-79 years with T2D inadequately controlled (HbA1c > 7.0%) with = 2 oral antihyperglycemic medications (OAMs), were randomized to add LM25 (25% insulin lispro, 75% insulin lispro protamine suspension) twice daily or GL (basal insulin glargine) once daily to pre-study OAMs. Primary efficacy was measured by HbA1c at 24-week endpoint. Secondary measures included: proportion of patients achieving HbA1c= 6.5% and= 7.0%, body weight change, self-monitored blood glucose (BG) values, and hypoglycemia rates. LM25 demonstrated greater HbA1c reduction (- 2.4% ± 0.16 vs. -2.0% ± 0.16, P = 0.002), a higher proportion of patients achieving HbA1c= 7.0% (P = 0.012), and lower BG levels after the morning (P = 0.028) and evening (P = 0.011) meals, and at 3:00AM (P = 0.005) compared with GL. Fasting BG and proportion of patients achieving HbA1c= 6.5% were similar between groups. Both groups increased body weight, although the gain was higher at endpoint with LM25 (6.35 kg vs. 4.23 kg, P < 0.001). No differences in hypoglycemia rates were observed between groups, and no serious adverse events were reported for either group. In this subgroup from Argentina, LM25 demonstrated greater improvement in glucose control with similar risk of hypoglycemia and more weight gain than GL.

Régimen con insulina lispro mix 25 versus insulina glargina para la diabetes tipo 2 / Starting an insulin regimen with insulin lispro mix 25 versus glargine insulin for type 2 diabetes

La información sobre el inicio de regímenes de insulina en poblaciones específicas con diabetes tipo 2 (DT2) es limitada. Se comparó eficacia y seguridad de dos regímenes de inicio: insulina lispro mix 25 (LM25) e insulina glargina basal (GL). Se evaluaron 193 pacientes no tratados previamente con insulina, en la fase de iniciación de 24 semanas del ensayo DURABLE; edades: 30-79 años, DT2 controlada inadecuadamente (HbA1c > 7.0%) con = 2 medicaciones orales antidiabéticas (MOAs), aleatorizados para LM25 (25% de insulina lispro, 75% de insulina lispro protamina en suspensión) dos veces/día, o GL (insulina glargina basal) una vez/ día, a las MOAs previas. La eficacia primaria se midió por HbA1c a las 24 semanas. Se midió eficacia secundaria por: proporción de pacientes que alcanzaron HbA1c= 6.5% y= 7.0%, cambio en peso corporal, valores de automonitoreo glucémico e índices de hipoglucemia. LM25 demostró mayor reducción de la HbA1c (- 2.4% ± 0.16 vs. -2.0% ± 0.16, P = 0.002), mayor proporción de pacientes alcanzaron HbA1c= 7.0% (P = 0.012) y niveles de glucemia menores después del desayuno (P = 0.028) y de la cena (P = 0.011), y a las 3 a.m. (P = 0.005) comparada con GL. La glucemia en ayunas (GA) y la proporción de pacientes que alcanzaron una HbA1c= 6.5% fueron similares. En ambos grupos hubo aumento del peso corporal, mayor en la valoración final con LM25 (6.35 kg vs. 4.23 kg, P < 0.001). No hubieron diferencias en índices de hipoglucemia entre grupos, ni eventos adversos serios en ninguno. Con LM25 fue mejor el control de glucosa, riesgo de hipoglucemia similar y mayor aumento de peso que GL.(AU)

Information on starting insulin regimens in specific populations with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is limited. This analysis compared efficacy and safety of two starter insulin regimens: insulin lispro mix 25 (LM25) and basal insulin glargine (GL) in patients from Argentina. This post-hoc analysis evaluated 193 insulin-na´ve patients who participated in the DURABLE trial 24-week initiation phase. Patients 30-79 years with T2D inadequately controlled (HbA1c > 7.0%) with = 2 oral antihyperglycemic medications (OAMs), were randomized to add LM25 (25% insulin lispro, 75% insulin lispro protamine suspension) twice daily or GL (basal insulin glargine) once daily to pre-study OAMs. Primary efficacy was measured by HbA1c at 24-week endpoint. Secondary measures included: proportion of patients achieving HbA1c= 6.5% and= 7.0%, body weight change, self-monitored blood glucose (BG) values, and hypoglycemia rates. LM25 demonstrated greater HbA1c reduction (- 2.4% ± 0.16 vs. -2.0% ± 0.16, P = 0.002), a higher proportion of patients achieving HbA1c= 7.0% (P = 0.012), and lower BG levels after the morning (P = 0.028) and evening (P = 0.011) meals, and at 3:00AM (P = 0.005) compared with GL. Fasting BG and proportion of patients achieving HbA1c= 6.5% were similar between groups. Both groups increased body weight, although the gain was higher at endpoint with LM25 (6.35 kg vs. 4.23 kg, P < 0.001). No differences in hypoglycemia rates were observed between groups, and no serious adverse events were reported for either group. In this subgroup from Argentina, LM25 demonstrated greater improvement in glucose control with similar risk of hypoglycemia and more weight gain than GL.(AU)

A 12-wk follow-up study to evaluate the effects of mixing insulin lispro and insulin glargine in young individuals with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to compare in real-life conditions the serum profile of insulin lispro (IL) after a subcutaneous (SC) injection, separate and mixed with insulin glargine (IG), using a sensitive radioimmunoassay for the specific determination of serum IL, and to evaluate the 12-wk effect of the mixture on glycemic control in young individuals with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The IL serum profiles were evaluated in 10 individuals with type 1 diabetes [age 21.9 ± 3.8 yr; diabetes duration 13.4 ± 4.9 yr; body mass index 25.1 ± 3.2 kg/m2; hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 8.3 ± 0.8%] during a mixed meal test (MMT) using IL and IG as separate (baseline) and mixed injection. The glycemic variability by continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) and the long-term diabetes control with HbA1c were also evaluated at baseline and after 12 wk mixing the two insulins. RESULTS: The mixture of IL with IG decreased IL maximum serum concentration (Cmax(IL) ) (29.4 ± 5.1 µU/mL vs. 13.7 ± 4.2 µU/mL; p = 0.03) without changing the time to reach the Cmax (Tmax(IL) ), the IL area under the curve (AUC(IL) (0-240) ), and the glucose dynamics during the MMT. The glucose variability and the HbA1c were equivalent to baseline after 12 wk mixing both insulins. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that mixing IL with IG immediately before the SC injection decreases IL serum peak concentration without affecting the glycemic profile after 12 wk in this group with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Comparative effects of short-term and long-term insulin-induced hypoglycemia on glucose production in the perfused livers of weaned rats.

The liver glucose production (LGP) levels of 15-h overnight fasted weaned rats submitted to short-term insulin-induced hypoglycemia (ST-IIH) and long-term IIH (LT-IIH) were compared. Experiments to characterize ST-IIH or LT-IIH that followed an intraperitoneal (ip) injection (1.0 U/kg) of regular (ST-IIH) or insulin detemir (LT-IIH) were performed and glycemia were measured 0 (normoglycemic control), 0.5 h (ST-IIH), 4 h and 6 h (LT-IIH) later. The values of glycemia (mg/dl) were 77.8 ±l 7.2 (normoglycemic control), 26.2 ±l 6.1 (ST IIH 0.5 h), 21.2 ±l 7.6 (LT-IIH 4 h) and 35.3 ±l 14.5 (LT-IIH 6.0). The LGP levels were measured in the rats submitted to ST-IIH (0.5 h) and LT-IIH (4 h or 6 h). The rats that received ip saline were used as the normoglycemic control group (COG). The livers from the COG and IIH groups (ST-IIH or LT-IIH) were perfused in situ with infusion of L-alanine (5 mM), L-glutamine (10 mM), glutamine dipeptide (5 mM), L-lactate (2 mM) or glycerol (2 mM). The ST-IIH rats showed a higher LGP level than COG group following the L-glutamine infusion (p < 0.05), but the LGP levels that were measured following the L-lactate, L-alanine, glutamine dipeptide (5 mM), L-lactate (2 mM) or glycerol infusion remained unchanged. Moreover, if the period of IIH was expanded to 4 h following insulin injection, the LGP levels induced by L-alanine, glutamine dipeptide or glycerol infusion also increased (p < 0.05, LT-IIH vs. COG). However, the LGP from the L-lactate infusion remained unchanged until 6 h after insulin injection. In conclusion, these results suggest that the intensification of liver gluconeogenesis during ST-IIH and LT-IIH in weaned rats is not a synchronous "all or nothing" process; instead, this process integrated in a temporal manner and is specific for each gluconeogenic substrate.

Current perspectives for treating children with diabetic ketoacidosis.

OBJECTIVE: To review current concepts of physiopathology, diagnosis and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in childhood, as well as preventive measures to avoid cerebral edema. SOURCES: The authors selected articles from MEDLINE with the keywords diabetes, ketoacidosis, hyperglycemia and cerebral edema, and priority was given to studies including children and that contained complete texts published in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Chapters of books published in Brazil describing the treatment of DKA in pediatric intensive care unit were also reviewed. Based on the reviewed literature and on the author's experience, the most efficient and recommended measures for DKA management are presented. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Normal saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) has been increasingly used for fast replacement and hydration, as a substitute to diluted (hypotonic) solutions, as well as contraindication of sodium bicarbonate to repair metabolic acidosis in DKA. Regular insulin should be used as continuous infusion (0.1 IU/kg/h) without the need of a loading dose. For fast corrections of glucose oscillations, a practical scheme using two bags of electrolytic solutions is presented. Cerebral edema, its physiopathological mechanism and current treatment are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Use of continuous infusion of regular insulin associated with adequate water and electrolyte replacement using isotonic solutions, besides being an effective treatment for DKA, preserves plasma osmolarity and prevents cerebral edema.

Perspectivas atuais do tratamento da cetoacidose diabética em pediatria: [revisão] / Current perspectives for treating children with diabetic ketoacidosis: [review]

OBJETIVO: Revisar os conceitos atuais da fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento da cetoacidose diabética (CAD) na infância, assim como as medidas preventivas para evitar o edema cerebral. FONTES DOS DADOS: Os autores selecionaram artigos na MEDLINE com as palavras-chave diabetes, cetoacidose, hiperglicemia e edema cerebral, priorizando estudos realizados em crianças, que tenham textos completos publicados em inglês, português ou espanhol. Revisaram, ainda, capítulos de livros publicados no Brasil descrevendo o tratamento de CAD em unidade de tratamento intensivo pediátrico. Baseados na literatura revisada e em sua experiência, apresentam as medidas mais eficazes e recomendadas no manejo da CAD. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Consolida-se cada vez mais a utilização de solução fisiológica (NaCl 0,9 por cento) tanto na fase de reposição rápida quanto na fase de hidratação, em substituição às soluções diluídas (hipotônicas), assim como a contra-indicação do uso de bicarbonato de sódio para corrigir acidose metabólica na CAD. A insulina regular deve ser utilizada sob a forma de infusão contínua (0,1 UI/kg/h) sem a necessidade de dose de ataque. Para rápidas correções das oscilações da glicemia, é apresentado um esquema prático com duas bolsas de soluções eletrolíticas. Revisam edema cerebral, seu mecanismo fisiopatológico e o tratamento atual. CONCLUSÕES: O uso de infusão contínua de insulina regular associada à reposição hídrica adequada com soluções isotônicas, além de tratamentos efetivos da CAD, preserva a osmolaridade plasmática e previne a ocorrência de edema cerebral.

OBJECTIVE:To review current concepts of physiopathology, diagnosis and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in childhood, as well as preventive measures to avoid cerebral edema. SOURCES: The authors selected articles from MEDLINE with the keywords diabetes, ketoacidosis, hyperglycemia and cerebral edema, and priority was given to studies including children and that contained complete texts published in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Chapters of books published in Brazil describing the treatment of DKA in pediatric intensive care unit were also reviewed. Based on the reviewed literature and on the author's experience, the most efficient and recommended measures for DKA management are presented. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Normal saline solution (NaCl 0.9 percent) has been increasingly used for fast replacement and hydration, as a substitute to diluted (hypotonic) solutions, as well as contraindication of sodium bicarbonate to repair metabolic acidosis in DKA. Regular insulin should be used as continuous infusion (0.1 IU/kg/h) without the need of a loading dose. For fast corrections of glucose oscillations, a practical scheme using two bags of electrolytic solutions is presented. Cerebral edema, its physiopathological mechanism and current treatment are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Use of continuous infusion of regular insulin associated with adequate water and electrolyte replacement using isotonic solutions, besides being an effective treatment for DKA, preserves plasma osmolarity and prevents cerebral edema.

Ultralente insulin treatment of transient neonatal diabetes mellitus.

In an infant with transient neonatal diabetes mellitus, control of the blood glucose concentration was attained with ultralente insulin treatment, without any episodes of hypoglycemia. We recommend subcutaneous injection of ultralente insulin, rather than lente or isophane (NPH) insulin, to avoid hypoglycemia during the treatment of transient neonatal diabetes mellitus.

[Intensified insulin therapy in the management of gestational diabetes]. / Insulinoterapia intensificada en el manejo de la diabetes pregestacional.

A total of 35 pregnancies in 28 Pregestational Diabetic Patients (PDP) were followed with the goal of achieving and maintaining near normoglycemia (as many pre-postprandial glycemias as possible between 60-140 mg/dl); 13 patients (16 pregnancies) were assigned to Subcutaneous Continuous Preprogrammed Insulin Infusion (SCII) because of high risk pregnancies (HRP) (at least one of the following: former history of spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, premature deliveries and/or sterility). The remaining 12 PDP's (15 pregnancies with no past history of the above nature) were treated with Multiple Conventional Insulin Injections (MCII). Both groups were comparable regarding the following clinical parameters: age, time of onset and class of diabetes. All patients were instructed in performing 3 to 7 daily Self Capillary Blood Glucose controls (SCBG). Mean follow-up observation period was (mean +/- SEM) 28.5 +/- 2.5 weeks for SCII and 3.2 MCII and 28.8 +/- 3.2 weeks for MCII. All the 3 PDP drop out's (4 pregnancies) belonged to the CMII group. No drop out's were recorded in the SCII group. Both insulin therapy approaches were similarly effective in improving metabolic control in that comparable levels of mean blood glucose (MBG) and HbA1 were attained by SCII and MCII (Fig. 1). Compliance, as evidenced by average of daily SCBG was also similar in both groups (Fig. 2). Such satisfactory metabolic control was achieved mostly because of an increase in the percentage (65%) of "fair" glycemias (60-139 mg/dl) and not because of an increase in hypoglycemias (< 60 mg/dl) which could have canceled out an undesirable degree of hyperglycemias thus rendering "false satisfactory" MBG's and HbA1 (Fig. 1). With the above degree of metabolic control obtained there occurred no severe hypoglycemic episodes requiring medical intervention. All newborns to the PDP's who remained under treatment showed an adequate APGAR (X +/- SEM, 9.5 +/- 0.2) regardless of the modality (SCII or MCII) of insulin delivery used (Tables 1, 2). The single malformed baby found in this series was born to a patient on SCII who happened to start on the intensified insulin treatment rather late in her pregnancy (21st week) and, in addition, the patient self medicated with high doses of chlorpromazine because of recurrent vomiting episodes. Incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia (HY) or macrosomy (MS) was comparable in both groups (Tables 1, 2). It is to be pointed out, however, that PDP's who bore the babies with no HY or MS had presented a larger number of low glycemic values than mothers who bore the babies with HY and/or MS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Feasibility of strict diabetes control in insulin-dependent diabetic adolescents.

Nineteen insulin-dependent diabetic adolescents who had poor control on twice daily injections and home glucose monitoring participated in a study assessing the feasibility of improved control. Using a randomized crossover protocol, we examined the relative efficacy of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and of intensive conventional therapy with three or four daily injections of insulin. Both therapies were regulated with home glucose monitoring. A marked improvement in control with both therapies was observed when mean blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin A1 were compared with conventional therapy. However, pump therapy resulted in significantly lower HbA1 than intensive therapy (P less than 0.05), despite a significantly lower total insulin dose (P less than 0.01). We conclude that in adolescents with type I diabetes, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion is more effective in achieving improvement of diabetes control than is intensive conventional therapy in the outpatient setting.

Roles of site and timing of the morning insulin injection in type 1 diabetes.

To investigate the effect of site and timing of insulin injection on post-breakfast plasma glucose concentration, 23 children with type 1 diabetes were given their usual mixture of short- and intermediate-acting insulin five minutes prior to breakfast on one day and between 15 and 60 minutes before breakfast on the alternate day, depending on their 7:00 AM fasting blood glucose concentration. Thirteen children received insulin in an extremity, and 10 in the abdominal wall. Plasma insulin and glucose patterns were similar for the two injection sites. The mean post-breakfast peak glucose increment was significantly lower and the mean increment in free insulin values during the first hour after breakfast was higher on the day when insulin preceded breakfast by 30 to 60 minutes. Thus, significant reductions in post-breakfast hyperglycemia can be achieved by increasing the interval between the injection and breakfast in proportion to the fasting capillary glucose concentration. The timing of the morning insulin injection may be more important than the injection site.